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“Be Strong and Courageous”

December 3, 2017

Advent 1B

Mark 13:35-37

This week we begin another liturgical church year. In the season of Advent we remember how Christ came into the world, we celebrate how Christ continues to come into the world, and we trust that one day Christ will come again with the fullness of God’s Kingdom.

This week we are reminded that God’s Kingdom does not come easily into the world, and that it comes unexpectedly. We are encouraged, “Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn,or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly.And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.” (Matthew 13:35-37)

The coming of God’s Kingdom, today and tomorrow, and one day finally, is not an easy thing. The Kingdom that comes is all too often on a collision course with the world and it’s ways. And so it is that often we find ourselves in conflict as we follow Jesus, as we proclaim the truth, peace, justice and love of the Gospel, as we live out the reign of God now, as we seek first the kingdom of God. As we make our way on this difficult journey of faith, as we live in the advent of God, we are exhorted to “fear not” and to trust in the promise that we are not alone.

1. Be Strong And Courageous

Be strong and courageous, all the days of your life

For the Lord has promised to stand by you, day and night

Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed

For the Lord your God is with you along the narrow way

Stay in the holy word; keep it deep in your soul

Meditate upon it and you will know where to go

The place God has prepared for you

Be strong and courageous, all the days of your life

For the Lord has promised to stand by you, day and night

Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed

For the Lord your God is with you along the narrow way

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind

In service to others, your dream becomes alive

The place God has prepared for you

Be strong and courageous, all the days of your life

For the Lord has promised to stand by you, day and night

Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed

For the Lord your God is with you along the narrow way

Amen, Amen

The Gospel calls us to “keep awake” in these times, the times of God’s Advent. Let us “keep awake” by staying in Christ, in the word that will not pass away; And let us “keep awake” by living out the great commandment to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and our neighbor as our self. For it is in the doing of these things that we will not only be awake when God comes, but also actively involved in God’s Advent today and tomorrow. Amen.

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If you like this devotion please share it with others via the Facebook button at the bottom of this page! This week’s song, albums, and other songs by Greg, are available on Bandcamp! Get the music free! Greg’s music is listed for “name your own price.” Just choose $0, and download the song or album. https://gregronning.bandcamp.com/album/sweet-holy-love